porevannets

Porevannets are a class of porous solid materials characterized by an interconnected network of nanoscale pores. They are designed to combine high surface area with tunable pore architecture, enabling selective adsorption and rapid transport of small molecules. The term encompasses a range of compositions, including inorganic-organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, and porous polymers, all organized into three-dimensional networks that maintain open porosity.

Structure and synthesis are defined by the choice of nodes and linkers or by templated polymerization. Common approaches include sol-gel processes, self-assembly, and templating techniques that create stable, rigid frameworks with controllable pore sizes. Depending on the system, pores can be microporous or mesoporous, and their chemistry can be modified post-synthesis to adjust hydrophilicity, acidity, or functional groups.

Key properties include high surface area, tunable pore dimensions, and varying degrees of thermal and chemical stability. The mechanical robustness of porevannets makes them suitable for industrial processing conditions, while their modular design allows customization for specific separations or catalytic tasks.

Applications span gas storage and separation (such as CO2 capture and hydrocarbon purification), catalysis supports, water treatment, and energy storage devices. In research settings, porevannets are explored for selective adsorption, rapid diffusion pathways, and compatibility with functional nanoscale ligands.

History and development trace the concept to late 2000s and 2010s, with ongoing work aimed at improving stability, scalability, and process integration. See also porous materials, metal-organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, zeolites.